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Zagreb, Croatia | Abandoning ties to socialism some 20 years ago, Croatia officially joined the European Union last year, promising political and economic reforms. Funding is now being funneled into power management, environmental protection and urban modeling in capital city Zagreb, generating optimism about where the city is headed.

Accra, Ghana | A flourishing oil and gas industry in the African country of Ghana explains the inclusion of capital city Accra on the list. Smart city advocates will be watching to see if the infrastructure can keep pace with the economic changes that are expected as a result.

Curitiba, Brazil | Curitiba is revered for its sustainable development approach, best exemplified by its system of rapid transit, used by 70 percent of the city’s commuters. Planned more than three decades ago, the system is cost-efficient and keeps emissions to a minimum.

Medellin, Colombia | While probably best known for its association with the drug cartel that bears its name, Medellin, Colombia, is now getting attention for sustainable environmental policy and smart transportation planning. In 2012, Medellin was named the world’s most innovative city by the Urban Land Institute

Osaka, Japan | Also noted for environmentally responsible urban planning, Osaka has dedicated a geographic area to incubating energy and environmental industries. A major economic center, its population of 2.6 million people grows to 3.7 million during the day.

Rotterdam, Netherlands | Sustainable practices were a necessity for Rotterdam, as 90 percent of the city is below sea level. Facing climate change head on, the city counts a sophisticated transportation network, water plazas and green rooftops among its strategies to render it flood-proof.

Songdo, South Korea | Known for stringent environmental regulation, the South Korean government has invested billions into solidifying Songdo as a high-tech powerhouse. Its smart city features include an underground tube system for garbage collection, smartphone-controlled appliances and green spaces large enough to offset emissions.

Vilnius, Lithuania | Considered an Eastern European city on the rise for its rapid growth, Vilnius’ management approach is attracting notice and foreign investments. Home to some of the world’s fastest Internet speeds, the city is capitalizing on its potential to support the development of innovative technologies.

Smart Cities from A to Z

More and more citizens of the world are choosing to live in urban settings over rural ones. The percentage exceeded 50 in 2010, and it’s only expected to rise. The smart city movement taking hold across the globe aims to ensure the long-term viability of these major population centers using intelligent technology and sustainable urban planning.

New Economy recently named 20 global cities to watch as models for the 21st-century smart city. They’re thinking beyond just avoiding the crush of maxed-out resources and infrastructure. Can other forward-looking cities learn something from their examples?

The top 20 cities are as follows, a few of which you can learn a little more about above: